#USA #Infinium #Sacramento, California #Borealis #Fullstride

Turning Waste CO₂ into High-Performance Foam for Sustainable Fashion

In a groundbreaking development in sustainable fashion, Borealis, Infinium, and Fullstride Ventures have introduced a game-changing material for the apparel industry: high-performance foam created from captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. This transformative foam is set to redefine circularity in intimate apparel, with its first application unveiled in Fullstride's innovative carboncup™ bra cup.

The journey of this sustainable foam begins with the innovative processes employed by Infinium, which captures CO₂ that would typically be released into the atmosphere. This captured CO₂ is transformed into eNaphtha, a low-carbon feedstock that acts as a drop-in alternative to traditional fossil-based naphtha. Once produced, Borealis utilizes this eNaphtha to create polyethylene, which serves as the fundamental building block for the foam used in apparel.

What makes this foam particularly noteworthy is its ability to compete directly with conventional materials in terms of comfort, breathability, and durability. The carboncup™ not only mirrors the tactile qualities of traditional bra pads but does so with a drastically reduced carbon footprint when compared to fully fossil-based polyurethane alternatives.

Yossi Nasser, CEO of Fullstride, emphasized the significance of this launch: “This breakthrough innovation not only diverts carbon from the atmosphere but also reduces dependence on finite fossil resources. It significantly lowers our product's carbon footprint and represents a meaningful leap forward for sustainable fashion.”

Infinium is making strides as one of the pioneering companies offering commercial quantities of eNaphtha. Their Project Pathfinder facility, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, is helmed as a crucial site for the production of this sustainable feedstock, which is ISCC PLUS certified to ensure traceability from its origin throughout the entire supply chain.

Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium, stated, “Together with Fullstride and Borealis, we're reimagining what carbon can be. By creating eNaphtha that enables Borealis to produce next-generation plastics with dramatically reduced carbon footprint, we're helping move entire industries toward a cleaner future.”

The introduction of the carboncup™ marks a significant milestone not only for Fullstride but also for the collaboration between Borealis and Infinium, established in August 2024, focusing on sustainability through the utilization of captured CO₂. This brings the industry a step closer to achieving true circular fashion, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can unlock innovative solutions for reducing atmospheric carbon.

Dirk Langhammer, VP of Circular Economy Solutions, highlighted the initiative’s impact: “This collaboration reveals the potential of innovative solutions that facilitate circular approaches in sensitive applications such as intimate apparel, effectively transforming atmospheric carbon into high-quality polymers.”

As the carboncup™ prepares for its first showcase at K Show 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany, this pioneering initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when creativity and sustainability merge within the fashion industry.

About Borealis

Borealis is recognized as a leader in providing advanced and sustainable polyolefin solutions across the globe. Their commitment to innovation ensures the creation of value-added, circular material solutions designed for key industries. The company, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, employs approximately 6,200 individuals and has a strong presence across over 120 countries.

About Infinium

Infinium is at the forefront of gas conversion technologies and sustainable eFuel projects, specializing in ultra-low carbon synthetic eFuels. Their innovative approaches support the evolving energy industry, marking them as pioneers in producing clean eFuels and gas-conversion technology.

About Fullstride Ventures

Founded in 2018, Fullstride Ventures is dedicated to revolutionizing manufacturing and product development through eco-conscious solutions. The company aims to merge sustainable practices with quality functionality, ensuring modern consumers' needs are met without compromising the environment.

In summary, Borealis, Infinium, and Fullstride have embarked on a remarkable journey to reshape the landscape of sustainable fashion through innovative practices and materials derived from captured CO₂. Their collective efforts highlight a unified goal toward a greener and more sustainable future in the apparel industry.